This Korean Crispy Ground Beef Bowl is a total game-changer for busy nights! It’s quick, packed with bold flavors, and has the perfect crispy texture that makes every bite irresistible.
The best part? It’s super kid-friendly—sweet, savory, and just a little bit sticky, so it’s great over rice or even in lettuce wraps. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going into your weekly dinner rotation!
What You’ll Need
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) (optional for spice)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Pro Tips
- Get That Crispy Texture! Let the beef sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring—it helps develop those golden, crispy bits.
- No Gochujang? No problem! Swap it for a little sriracha or leave it out if making this for kids.
- Meal Prep Win! Make a big batch of the beef and keep it in the fridge for easy meals all week.
- Try Different Bases! This beef is amazing over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even stuffed into tortillas for a fun fusion twist.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Grater (for ginger)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small bowls for ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the Protein: Ground turkey or chicken work just as well!
- Make It Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Sweeter Version: Add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar if your family likes it a little sweeter.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for added nutrition.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the beef ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Just reheat in a pan for a few minutes before serving!
- You can also mix the sauce ingredients together in advance and keep it in the fridge for quick meals.
How to Make It
1. Heat the Pan & Toast the Garlic and Ginger
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and let it cook for 3–4 minutes without stirring to develop a crispy texture. Then, stir and continue cooking until browned.
3. Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the beef and stir well, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Serve & Garnish
Spoon the beef over hot white rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave for a quick meal.
- Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Crispy Ground Beef Bowl is simple, quick, and packed with so much flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is actually super easy to throw together. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun twists! 🍛✨